Young people in Keighley district have been asked to deploy their song-writing abilities to help in the war against drugs.

West Yorkshire Police have teamed up with Northern Rail's NorthernTrax' initiative to launch a song-writing competition called 3 Minute Wonders.

People under 19 are being encouraged to compose a three-minute song about the dangers of drugs.

The project is backed by Leeds-born singer Corinne Bailey Rae, who is only the fourth female British artist to have her first album debut at number one in the UK music charts.

She said: "Helping raise awareness among teenagers about the danger of drugs is vital, and combining this with the chance to showcase local song-writing talent is a great idea.

"The impact of drugs in our local communities can not be underestimated."

West Yorkshire Police inspector Janet Ballance said: "We see the effects of drugs on young people day in day out, so we're always looking for new ways to help educate them about the dangers.

"We are looking for a song approximately three minutes long, that will give positive messages about the danger of drugs. It can be any style, from rap to reggae, from ballad to bhangra."

The competition closes on February 8, with regional winners being picked in March and the final winner in May.

The winner will get the chance to perform their song at the Settle Music Festival, where acts including Madness and The Stranglers will also be appearing.

Send entries to the 3 Minute Wonders competition, Local Policing Department, Youth and Schools, PO Box 9, Laburnum Road, Wakefield WF1 3QP or email them to Kevin.chippendale@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Songs can be presented either as an MP3 file, audio CD or tape or in written format.